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Pm Gruppo Macchia Potenza Begins basilicata Cup Defence Amidst Renewed Competition
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The Pm Gruppo Macchia Potenza volleyball team embarks on its journey to defend its title in the Basilicata Cup this thursday, facing a regional competition with a refreshed format and a competitive field of six teams.The rossoblù squad, crowned champions in the 2025 edition, will aim to maintain its dominance in the Lucanian volleyball scene.
A New Look for the Regional Tournament
this year’s Basilicata Cup features a new structure, bringing together teams representing the breadth of volleyball talent in the region and surrounding areas. Participating alongside the reigning champions are Daken Sea Matera, competing in the Apulian Serie C championship; volley Matera and Venosa, both involved in the Apulian Serie D; and Asci and Santa Maria, registered in the Campania Serie D.
The teams have been divided into two groups of three, with the two Serie C teams – Daken Sea Matera and Pm gruppo Macchia Potenza – placed in Group B. This grouping sets the stage for potentially intense matchups early in the tournament.
Opening Match and Tournament Format
The defending champions will kick off their campaign on Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Caizzo gym in Potenza, facing Volley matera. Following a scheduled rest round, Pm Gruppo Macchia will return to action on February 24th at 8 p.m. at PalaLanera,where they will compete against Psa Matera.
The initial phase of the competition will utilize a round-robin format, ensuring each team faces every other team within their group. the top two teams from each group will then advance to the semi-finals, contested over two legs – home and away – culminating in a final match to determine the ultimate champion.
Coach Orlando Emphasizes Title Defense and Youth Growth
on the eve of the tournament’s commencement, the team’s coach, marco Orlando, underscored the importance of the competition. “Our adventure in the Basilicata Cup begins, we are the holders of the title and we clearly want to defend it,” he stated. Orlando also reflected on a recent championship match against Molinari Napoli, praising his team’s “great test of character and competitive spirit, beyond the result.”
A key focus for Orlando appears to be the integration of young talent from the rossoblù youth sector. He specifically highlighted the consistent contributions of Martina Rivelli and Sara Carta, both born in 2009 and 2010, and also the impact of Chiara Cappiello (born in 2011) and Giulia Todaro (born in 2006). According to Orlando, these young players represent “an vital prospect from a future perspective.”
Looking Ahead: Volley Matera and broader Season Goals
Orlando acknowledged the challenge posed by their opening opponent, Volley Matera, noting, “It’s a young team that won’t make our life easy.” However, the Basilicata Cup remains a important objective for the season, alongside the team’s broader goal of maintaining its position in the league.
“Bringing home the trophy
